Etihad Aviation Group Supports World Autism Awareness Month

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Aviation Group, in cooperation with Emirates Autism Society, supported World Autism Awareness Month by organising a series of events and activities during the first week of April.

Highlighting the need for increased awareness and understanding of autism,
Etihad hosted an awareness workshop at its Training Academy. The workshop featured
an informative presentation by Sheena Kathleen Reynolds, an Occupational
Therapist from the Wilson Centre for Child Development. A short documentary named “Lemonade” was also broadcast to the audience. The
documentary highlighted the difficulties, hopes and aspirations of families of autistic
adults.

An exclusive innovation gallery of artwork and robots crafted by
individuals with autism was also held in conjunction with the staff event.

Yousef and Kareem, two children who dream of becoming television
presenters, hosted the event and welcomed the speakers and the guests

Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice
President of Abu Dhabi Airport Operations and Chairman of the Sports and Social
Committee at Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to cooperate
with Emirates Autism Society to increase awareness of autism in the hope of improving
the lives of children and adults with autism and better integrate them into
society. We look forward to continuing our support of Autism Awareness Month
within the UAE.”

Etihad has also joined thousands of businesses, buildings and
iconic landmarks in ‘Light It Up Blue’ – a global initiative on World Autism
Awareness Day which falls on 2 April - by lighting the exterior of its
facilities as well as the
interiors of its Abu Dhabi Airport premium lounges with blue, the globally recognised colour for
autism, and invited its non-uniformed staff to wear casual clothes with a touch
of blue.

Pins and flyers with autism awareness information were distributed to
guests at Abu Dhabi International Airport by children from Emirates Autism
Society.

Autism is a developmental disorder encompassing
severe abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction, verbal and nonverbal
communication, accompanied by restricted and repetitive behaviours and
interests. These behavioural symptoms are present in very early childhood,
before the age of 36 months. Continuous efforts are made across the UAE to
promote awareness of Autism and integrate autistic individuals within the
society.